Collapsible containers



Sept. 24, 1957 R. LAMBERT 2,807,405

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERS Filed Jan. 20, 1956 v 2 Sheets-Sheet l JNVEN TOR.

RICHARD LAMBERT BY W441 ATTORNEY p 24, 1957 R. LAMBERT 2,807,405

' COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERS Filed Jan. 20, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

I RICHARD LAMBERT 9| ATTORNEY United States PatentO COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINERS Richard Lambert, New York, N. Y., assignor of one-half to Paula A. Lambert, New York, N. Y.

Application January 20, 1956, Serial No. 560,321

14 Claims. (Cl. 229-41) This invention relates to collapsible containers, and particularly to low-cost disposable containers.

It has been a common practice to employ fiber-board or rigid cardboard containers and drums for the shipment of goods to points of use or distribution. Such shipping receptacles are merely intended for use in transit, thereafter to be disposed of; and it is for this reason that it has always been an objective to make such devices of low-cost materials. Of widespread use in this category of I containers is the fiber-board drum having a metal base and metal cap or top. Such containers have been found to be considerably less costly than steel drums or other permanent containers; yet they have certain characteristics which render them in many cases disadvantageous for commercial use. Among such disadvantages are their rigidity and space-consuming proportions. More specifically, disposable containers of this category, such as the aforesaid fiber-board drums, are formed of rigid cylindrical walls which while empty are just as space-consuming as when filled. Hence, shipping costs of said empty containers from the source of their manufacture to the packing points, are obviously comparatively high. Moreover, such drums cannot be economically stored, in view of their space-consuming character, thereby requiring either extensive and hence costly storage warehouses, or the purchasing of empty drums in relative-small quantities. It has also been found that, at points of use or distribution of the goods shipped in such drums, the problem of disposal thereof is serious, particularly when large quantities of such drums are received.

It is within the contemplation of my invention to provide a disposable container having none of the aforesaid disadvantages of conventional containers, and yet which will adequately and effectively serve its intended receptacle and shipping purposes. More specifically, it is an object of my invention to provide a collapsible container that is extremely economical of space when in its collapsed condition. ,In this aspect of my invention, it is my objective to provide a container of this category comprising components which, before they are assembled into container form, occupy a minimum of space, and which when disassembled from their container configuration would also occupy comparatively little space. I U

It is also an object of my invention to provide a device of the above category made of relatively low cost, easily fabricated and easily assembled components. These components are adapted to be'fabricated for and combinedinto difierent forms; but regardless of the form, the' compionents thereof are readily produced for convenient assembly. The said components comprise three main members, to wit, prefabricated base and top. members, and an ,extendable wallportion readily obtainable in the commercial market.

Other objects, features and advantages will appear from the drawings and the description herein given.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front view of a honeycomb wall portion constituting an important component of my invention, the wall being shown in an extended uncur'ved condition prior to the forming thereof into a cylinder, part of the lining being removed for clarity.

Fig. 2 is a section of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front view, substantially like Fig. 1, but showing the Wall in a partially compressed or contracted condition.

Fig. 4 is a section of Fig. 3 taken along the line 4-4.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section, substantially like that of Fig. 2, but showing the honeycomb wallin its curved condition when formed into a cylinder, the wall being shown with the locking elements disconnected.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front view of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary top view of the device in its assembled condition, a fragment of the upper retainer member being removed to show the section therebelow, the section being taken substantially along line 77 of Fig. 8, the figure also showing the locking members in interlocked position.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section of Fig. 7 taken along line 8-8, a fragment of the closure member'being shown in disassembled relation to the container.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the entire container with the cover in place, a fragment being removed for clarity.

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of Fig. 9, a fragment being removed for clarity.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the extensible wall component of a modified form of my invention, shown in collapsed condition, a fragment of the lining being removed for clarity.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary top view of Fig. 11, a fragment of the top wall being removed for clarity.

Fig. 13 is a top view of a drum formed with the components shown in Fig. 11, the device being shown without a closure member.

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. 13, fragments being removed for clarity.

Fig. 15 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary section of Fig. 13 taken along line 1515, the closure member being shown in detached relation to the drum.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary top view of the container of Fig. 14, with the closure member in place.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 10, the three main components are the wall member 20, the top and upper retainer member 21, and the base and bottom retainer member 22. There is also a closure member 23 adapted for coactive use with member 21, in a manner to be hereinafter set forth.

The said wall structure 20 comprises three parts, to wit, the expandable and collapsible honeycomb wall 24, the inner lining 25 and the outer lining26, said linings flanking said honeycomb Wall. In the embodiment illustrated, the honeycomb wall is a known commercial article of manufacture, its most frequent use being as a component for flat Wall structures. In the present device, as will more clearly hereinafter appear, this structure forms an improved component of the container assembly, .whereby its use is both extremely novel and of great utilitarian value. The wall 24 comprises a plurality of six-sided cells generally designated 27, the junctures of adjacent sides serving as corner hinges for giving fiexibilityto this structurefor expansion and contraction. Specifically,.each of said cells comprises an upper V-shaped portion 28 comprising walls 29 and 30, a lower V-shaped portion 31 comprising walls 32 and 33, and lateral parallel connecting walls 34 and 35. The said lateral walls 34 and 35 are adhesively joined to adjacent walls of adjacent cells, as illustrated, thereby'forming parallel rows of six-sided cells. Thesixcorners 36,37, 38, 39, 40. and 41 0f each 3 of the c ll se v a hi es. a aforesa d. whereby the walls can move relative to each other, and the entire device expand or contract, in well known manner. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the said wall is in an expanded condition, the lateral walls 34 and 35 being a relatively great dis ance apa w ereas n n 3 the dev c i h wn in a partially c ntracted position, the said lateral walls 34 and being relatively closer. together. It is obvious that the wall can be compressed further than as illustrated in Fig. 3, whereby the entire wall structure can be compressed ,to occupy a minimum of space. For the purpose of thistspecification, the wall 24 will be referred to as an extensible honeycomb wall.

Adhesively secured to the opposite faces of said honey- Wall 24 are the said respective inner and outer linings 25 and 26. These may be made of flexible sheet material, either limp or semi-stiff: Although both inner and outer linings are shown, it is also within the contemplation of this invention to employ either an inner or an outer lining.

In the embodiment illustrated, the said lining sheets 25 and .26 are made of semi-.stifli paper, such. as that known. as kraft; each sheet being adhesively secured along adjacent edges of certain of said walls 34 and 35 inthe regions generally designated 42 and 43, it being preferred that theregions of adhesion be at alternate cells, so as t effectively permit an operative expansion and contraction of the cells, as will hereinafter appear. Each sheet is scored along a plurality of vertical lines generally designated 44 for the inner lining and 45 for the outer lining. The said scored portions 4.4 and .45 of the sheets are entirely free, along their lengths, from the honey comb wall 24, the regions of adhesion 42 and 43 being at laterally opposite sides of said scored lines 44 and 45. It is preferred, although not necessary, that the said sheets of lining 25 and. 26 be applied to the honeycomb i ucture 24 when the latter is in its fully or almost fully extended condition, the lining sheets being also almost in theirfully stretched out condition. More specifically, by referringto Fig. 2, it willbe seen that sheets 25 and 26 are each almost in their fullystretched out conditions, the scored portions at 44 and 45 extending outwardly from the plane of the flat sheet, to form undulating sheets eachcornprising .aplurality of sections substantially V- shaped lHlCIOSS section.

each correspondingly shortened in length, with the formation of a plurality of vertical folds or pleated sectigns, hereinafter referred to as folds. It is further to be observiedthat when the entire structure 20 is curved into cylindrical configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the inner lining 25 is contracted to a greater extent than outer.

lining 26, the V formations of the folds of inner lining 25 being more acute than the corresponding sections of lining 26. i

In the form illustrated, the lateral ends of the wall structure 20 are provided with vertical terminal sides 46 and 47 to which are attached the locking elements 48 and 49, respectively. These locking members comprise folded back sheets having respective flaps 50 and 51 spaced from the said walls 46 and 47, respectively, flap 50 exsh ins sta l from the P an cf t e tmsr l nin 25 ds t of ou l n n nd as 1 e tend n the o pos e d r t n. r y s flap ar apted forinterlocking engagement when the wall structure 20 is formed into a complete cylinder, as illustrated in Fig. 7 If desired, said flaps 50 and 51 can be adhesively secured together. However, this is not absolutely necessary, since 4 the i 9l1PQL 3 $Z1 n 2.2. hen per y assembled upon the cylindrical wall structure 20, form a rigid device.

Said top and upper retainer member 21 is press-fitted over the top of the cylindrical honeycomb structure above mentioned. In the particular form illustrated, said member 21 comprises an outer peripheral flange 52 embracing the upper portion of the 'outer wall 53 of the honeycomb wall structure 20; and spaced inwardly from flange 52 is the inner annular wall 54 in embracing engagement with the upper portion of the inner wall 55 of structure 29, said annular wall 54 defining the periphery of the depressed wall 56 of member 21, there being a central aperture 57 in wall 56 to permit the entry and withdrawal of the contents of the container. Between and bridging flange 52 and annular wall 54 is the peripheral marginal wall 58 disposed over the top of the structure 20. The member 21 is so proportioned that the upper portion of the wall structure 20 is frictionally clamped between flange 52 and wall 54. The. closure member 23 contains an annular peripheral wall 59 proportioned for a frictional fit within annular wall 54, the roof 60 of the closure serving to complete the seal of aperture 57 when closure 23 is operatively in place, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

The base and lower retainer member 22 is, in the Q i l Sl fi bs ntially of the form of member 21, except that it contains no apertured portion therein. The bottom, of the structure 20 is clamped between the flange 62 and innerannular wall 63, the annular marginal wall 64 underlying the structure 20. The transverse wall 65, whieh is depressed upwardly, serves as a bottom clpsure for the container.

, It is thus evident that members 21 and 22 not only serve as upper and lower components of the assembly,

but also serve the additional function of retainers to maintain the structure 20 in cylindrical form, as well as to give rigidity to the entire device.

When the device is assembled in the manner above described, it constitutes a firm, fully enclosed and transportable .CQntainer. The cellular structure of the cylindrical wall, together with the outwardly extending folds of the outer lining 25, serve as yieldable elements. to'absorb shqclrs and protect the contents of the container.

The hgneycpmb structure 24 is, as aforesaid, a commercial device, and hence can be purchased in various sizes to suit the requirements; and because of the fact, well known to those skilled in the art, that said collapsible honeycomb structures are commercially fabricated on a mass production basis, it is obtainable at a relatively low cost, compared with specially fabricatedstructures. The memb s'll. .2 an 3 ca readily formed y e l-kn n and r a il aila pre in machinery. Anti the en ire as mbly c n b effected in a ly m- Ple manner. ith he ne to emp y p a y k d rt sans- Since the en re c s i lu t pap wal struc u e 2 a d th o e omp e hereinabove des ribe c n h s be com ely -p icu a ly a cgmpared to the commercial fiber-board constructions above mentioned#this device can be economically employed as a disposable item.

It is to be noted that the entire honeycomb structure 20 can be compressed to a small fraction of the volume occupied by the completely assembled container, and

hence can be economically stored until ready for use.

forming the hollow interior 68. The six-sided cells 69 are substantially of the type of the form first above described, the sirr corners of each cellconstituting hinges to permit the contraction and expansion of the device.

Disposed over the outer surface of said octagonal honeycomb structure 67 is the outer lining 70; and disposed along the inner surface of said honeycomb structure 67 is the inner lining 71. The lining sheets are horizontally scored, the scored lines being generally designated 72. These scored lines are substantially like those described in connection with the first form above referred to; and the regions of adhesive securement of said sheets are also substantial-1y positioned like those first above described. The arrangement is hence such that the entire wall structure 73, comprising the honeycomb wall 67 and the linings 70 and 71, can be'contracted and expanded, in accordion-like manner.

Disposed over the upper and lower terminals of said octagonal-shaped structure 73 are the annular octagonal walls 74 and 75. These can be secured in place by mucilaginous or other suitable means.

The base and bottom retainer member 76 comprises the outer peripheral octagonal flange 77 and the floor 78 underlying the entire structure, flange 77 being compressed over the outer bottom wall of structure 73. The top and upper retainer member 79 also has an outer peripheral octagonal flange 80 force-fitted around the upper outer portion of the octagonal wall structure 73. Member 79 also has spaced inwardly from flange 80, the cylindrical annular wall 81 defining the central aperture 82 of member 79. Closure 83 is so proportioned that the annular wall 84 thereof can be press-fitted within said annular wall 81,

Connecting flange 80 and annular wall 81 is the marginal annular wall 85 which overlies said wall upper 74. Disposed within marginal wall 85 are a plurality of holes 86, these being preferably positioned between annular wall 81 and the corners 87 formed by the junctures of adjacent sides of the inner Wall 88 of structure 73. In registry with each of said holes 86 are a plurality of holes 89 in the floor 78 of base 76. A plurality of rods 90 are positioned within the container between walls 81 and 88, the particular construction showing said rods provided with terminals 91 proportioned to fit into said respective holes 86 and 89. The arrangement is hence such that when these rods 90 are inserted in place, the top and bottom members 79 and '76 are held in proper spaced relation, and the entire device is maintained in its operative container position. in this condition it can safely accommodate its contents in shipment, in the manner above described with respect to the first embodiment of my invention. After the device has served its purpose, the rods 90 can be removed (since the expandable nature of the structure permits a slight further separation of the upper and lower portions of the device), whereupon the entire device can be col lapsed either for further use, or for other disposal.

In the above description, the invention has been disclosed merely by way of example and in preferred manner; but obviously many variations and modifications may be made therein. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to any specific form or manner of practicing same, except insofar as such limitations are specified in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a top member and a base member, said wall structure comprising an extensible honeycomb wall and at least one sheet of lining of flexible material disposed against said wall, said lining having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections constituting folds extending away from said wall when the wall is in an operatively contracted position, whereby when said well is in an operatively extended position said lining will be in a correspondingly extended condition, said top and base members being secured to the upper and lower portions of said wall structure.

2. In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a top member and a base member, said wall structure comprising an extensible honeycomb wall and at least one'sheet of lining of flexible material disposed against said wall substantially along the entire extent thereof, said lining having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections constituting parallel continuous folds disposed along said wall, each fold extending outwardly away from said wall when the wall is in an operatively contracted position, whereby when said wall is in an operatively extended position said lining will be in a correspondingly extended condition, said top and base members being secured to the upper and lower portions of said wall structure.

3. In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a top member and a base member, said wall structure comprising an extensible honeycomb wall, an

inner sheet of flexible lining material and an outer sheet of flexible lining material, said sheets being disposed in flanking relation to and against opposite sides of said wall, each of said sheets having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections constituting folds extending away from said wall when the wall is in an operatively contracted position, whereby when said wall is in an operatively extended position said sheets will be in correspondingly extended conditions, said top and base members being secured to the upper and lower portions of said wall structure.

4. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 1, said folds extending longitudinally of the container.

5. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 1, said folds extending transversely of the container.

6. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 1, said sheet constituting semi-stiff paper scored along parallel lines and bendable outwardly along said scored lines, said unattached sections being in the regions of said outwardly bendable portions.

7. In a collapsible container, the combination according the claim 1, said sheet constituting semi-stiff paper scored along parallel lines and bendable outwardly along said scored lines, said unattached sections being in the regions of said outwardly bendable portions, said sheet being in a substantially flattened condition when said honeycomb wall is in a predetermined extended position.

8. In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a top member and a base member, said wall structure comprising an extensible honeycomb wall, an inner sheet of lining material and an outer sheet of lining material, each of said sheets being of semi-stifi paper scored along parallel lines and bendable outwardly along said scored lines, said sheets being disposed in flanking relation to and against opposite sides of said walls, each of said sheets having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections being in the regions of said outwardly bendable portions, said top and base members being secured to the upper and lower portions of said Wall structure.

9. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 8, said top member having an outer peripheral flange and spaced inwardly therefrom an annular wall, the upper portion of the said wall structure being disposed between and in pressing engagement with said flange and annular wall, said top member having an apertured portion therein.

10. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 8, said top member having an outer peripheral flange and spaced inwardly therefrom an annular wall, the upper portion of the said wall structure being disposed between and in pressing engagement with said flange and annular wall, a marginal wall bridging said flange and annular wall, said marginal wall being disposed over the upper edge of said wall structure, and a closure member in operative engagement with said top member, said top member having an apertured portion therein below said closure member.

11.1 In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a top member and a base member, said wall structure? comprising an extensible honeycomb wall oper atively extensible longitudinally of the container, an inner sheet of lining material and an outer sheet of lining material, each' of said sheets being of semi-stiff paper scored along parallel lines transverse to the longitudinal extent of the container, each of said sheets being bendable outwardly along said scored lines, said sheets being disposed in flanking relation to and against opposite sides of said walls, each of said sheets having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections being in the regions of said outwardly bendable portions, said top and base members being secured to the upper and lower portions of said wall structure, and separating means in engagement with said top and base members for holding them in their respective upper and lower positions when the said wall structure is in its operatively extended position.

12. Ina collapsible container, the combination according to claim 11, said separating means comprising a plurality of substantially vertical rods disposed within said conminer and positioned between and in engagement with said top and base members.

13. In a collapsible container, the combination according to claim 11, said separating means comprising a plurality of substantially vertical rods disposed within said container and positioned between and in engagement with said top and base members, said top and base members having correspondingly positioned holes thereimsaid rods having terminal portions thereof extending into correspondingly positioned holes.

14. In a collapsible container, a laterally enclosed wall structure, a base member, said wall structure comprising an extensible honeycomb wall and at least one sheet of lining of flexible material disposed against said wall, said lining having sections thereof attached to said wall and other unattached sections, said unattached sections constituting folds extending away from said wall when the wall is in an operatively contracted position, whereby when said Wall is in an operatively extended position said lining will be in a correspondingly extended condition, said base member, being secured to the lower portion of said wall structures.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,208,483 Chesbrough Dec. 12, 1916 2,001,632 Schlichting May 14, 1935 2,556,470 Del Mar June 12, 1951 2,671,593 Page Mar. 9, 1954 

